SOFA: the Sculptural Objects Functional Art + Design Fair (held Nov. 6–9 at Navy Pier) is nothing short of overwhelming.
Each year, it averages 80 dealers, 35,000 attendees, and sales are estimated at $15-20 million per show.
But don’t let this daunt you.
The exhibition, which focuses on three-dimensional artworks, brings a wonderful breath of fresh air to the art scene in that it crosses boundaries and combines fine art, decorative art and design pieces together under one roof. SOFA features work that is often playful and referential, as many of the designs are based on well-known household objects, like artistic ceramic teapots, jewelry and vases you would never dare use for flowers. In addition, despite the hefty sales numbers noted above, the artwork can be less expensive than the hulk-like prices at strictly fine-art shows.
Still, the size alone of any of these fairs can leave one confounded. Here are a few tips for making your way through SOFA to seek out the best possible experience and maybe nab a piece of artwork or two along the way.
Make It a Day Thing
Don’t rush through; you will only end up feeling stressed. Give yourself a day to meander, stop for coffee or lunch, catch a lecture and then meander again. Pace yourself. Some of the best fine-craft galleries of the world are represented here, so there is no point in blowing through it at lightning speed.
Share
Go with a friend so that you have someone with whom to talk about the work. You love it. You hate it. You think your grandchild could do it in the backyard. Whatever your take, it will make the whole day a lot more fun if you share your thoughts with a friend along the way.
Learn a Thing or Two
Yes, it can get busy and crowded, but the gallery dealers are there to talk and share information, as well as sell artwork. If you see something you like, or even something you don’t quite get and are curious about, talk to the dealers—or the artists, many of whom are on site! Remember that the fair is as much about building and educating new collectors as it is about feeding the demand of the already addicted. So take advantage of the many lectures by finding out ahead of time what is going on.
Think “Layaway”
If you land on something you love and are considering a purchase, you don’t have to get a second mortgage. Talk to the dealer and see what you can work out. Any dealer worth their salt will want the artwork to go to someone who truly loves it, rather than a mansion where it matches the couch. If your love is sincere, work out the details with the dealer.
Be Yourself
There is no point in considering anything that you don’t love—you live with it after all, so the era of buying art to keep up with the Joneses went out the window with snobby gallery owners. It is a brave new world out there! Develop your own style and taste and be true to yourself.
If you can give the fair a full day, SOFA is an excellent opportunity to explore your own interest and taste in functional, three-dimensional artwork. Whether or not you purchase anything, it can be a worthy and entertaining day of perusing, watching, listening and sharing along the way.
